[No Coast]

Hello fellow riders, I've been riding ATV's for about a decade now but I'm still a noob when it comes to engines, which is why I've come to you. Took the ol quad out for a ride today and noticed a little problem. Like I said I'm a nooblet and don't know the names of the parts but I'll do my best to explain the symptoms.

Alright, say it's idling or in very low (about to kill) rpms and I hammer on the gas, there comes a "clicking" noise from what sounds like the component that the shifting lever connects to. The "click" is in tempo with the pistons firing. Also, it seems as though the clutch is not engaging as quickly as it should be. The first time I noticed this noise was when I was stationary and dropped the clutch in an attempt to get the front end off the ground. The clutch didn't grab with a "bite" like I expected it to. Instead I heard the brief clicking noise until I creeped into motion and got the rpms a little higher.

Besides starting from stationary, I can replicate this noise when I'm coasting and the rpms are decreasing. Just before it starts puttering out I hammer on the gas and can hear the brief clicking until the rpms are back up.

I realize this explanation is rather vague. If there is anything I can possibly explain better, let me know. I'm just trying to get an idea of what it might be and avoid taking it to a mechanic seeing as I've already dumped a considerable amount of money for repairs on this bad boy.

 

[mud99]

Can you feel any thing threw the shifter? vibration ect ect

 

[Helmut]

Welcome to the forums. Have you checked the chain to make sure it isn't too loose and slipping on the sprocket? The sprockets could be worn, too.

 

[69quadracer]

Welcome to the forums!

 

[No Coast]

I don't feel anything abnormal through the shifting lever. . .

Chain is rather loose now that I look at it. . . How might one tighten it?

 

[Helmut]

Here you go.

 

[Helmut]

I would check the sprockets and make sure they aren't worn, too.

 

[TRX2fiveO]

Agree ^^^ just looes the 4 allen head or hex head bolts on the carrier and rotate the spanner nut behind the sprocket sit on the quad you should have about 1/2 to 5/8 slack while sitting on it

 

[tomgodd]

Welcome to the Family!

 

[No Coast]

Right on, tightening the chain took care of it. Gotta love simple fixes! I appreciate the help guys and I gotta say this has to be one of the friendliest forums on the web, kudos.

Would you guys have any suggestions for grease or lube for the suspension and whatever joints I should lubricate? I don't get to ride much because I go to college and the suspension is getting a little squeaky.

 

[tomgodd]

You can try WD 40 type products. I wish the joints had grease fittings.

 

[tarheelblues]

problem is if you soak it down with a wd40 type lube its gonna attract a ton of dirt/sand/grime and then you end up with more than a squeek,not sure what exactly is "squeeking" but maybe theres a bushing or something you need to replace

 

[tomgodd]

That is a disadvantage of lubricants being used like that. Replacing is an option. Probly the best. The only problem is.........Alot of ball joints are not replaceable from what I have seen and heard.

 

[Helmut]

Alot of ball joints are not replaceable from what I have seen and heard.

Yep, that's true. On a lot of ATVs, especially sport quads, you have to buy the whole a-arm.

I bet the squeak is in the rear suspension, though, probable the rear shock or shock linkage bushings.

 

[tarheelblues]

ive got a squeak in my rear too,,,,,,,,,wait,,,,,i mean,,,,,,you know what i mean!! lol

 

[No Coast]

So you guys wouldn't recommend using WD40? Should I disassemble and see which parts are worn?

Also, does anyone have a manual I could download? I need to replace my battery and chain I'm not too sure what to get.

 

[TRX2fiveO]

Dry graphite lube may work better. like what you put in key switches.

 

[Helmut]

Also, does anyone have a manual I could download?

You can download a repair manual for the 400EX at the link below.

maxmekker.com

Silicone spray is a good rubber lubricate for bushings.

 

[No Coast]

If I tightened my chain the other day and it's already loosened back up, should I replace the chain? Or what else could it be?

 

[Helmut]

If I tightened my chain the other day and it's already loosened back up, should I replace the chain? Or what else could it be?

Did you tighten up the pinch bolts good? If so, your chain is probably stretched. If the chain is stretched, you probably need to replace the sprockets with the chain because they will be worn also.

Make sure you keep your chain clean and lubed or it will keep wearing and stretching.